You’ve probably heard the jokes about Alberta winters. People think we just live in a permanent snow globe from October to May. Honestly, it’s not always like that, but when it hits, it hits. Right now, the weather for St. Albert is doing that classic "wait five minutes and it'll change" thing that locals both love and complain about over coffee at Riel Recreation Park.
As of late Friday night, January 16, 2026, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 21°F. If you step outside, it actually feels closer to 10°F because of a steady 10 mph breeze coming in from the southwest. It's clear out there—the kind of clear where the stars look like they’re made of ice—and the humidity is hanging around 78%. It’s cold. No two ways about it.
The Saturday Shift
Saturday, January 17, is looking like a bit of a wildcard. We’re expecting a high of 40°F, which, for mid-January in the Botanical Arts City, feels like a tropical vacation. But don’t go packing away the parkas yet. While the day will stay partly sunny, the wind is going to kick up to about 20 mph from the northwest.
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That wind is the real story. It’s basically the gatekeeper for a cold front. By Saturday night, we’re looking at a 25% chance of snow and the temperature dropping down to 16°F. If you’re planning to head out to the Enjoy Centre or just walking the Sturgeon River valley trails, Saturday morning is your best bet before the wind starts biting.
Why January in St. Albert is a Rollercoaster
People think winter is just a steady descent into a freezer. It’s not. It’s a series of peaks and valleys. Look at the forecast for the next few days:
- Sunday: It clears up and gets sunny, but the high only reaches 16°F.
- Monday: Clouds move back in, bringing a 40% chance of snow showers at night.
- Tuesday: A high of 28°F with more snow expected during the day.
By the time we hit next weekend, January 24 and 25, we’re staring down some serious lows. We’re talking -23°F at night. That’s the kind of cold that makes your car protest when you turn the key. It’s a far cry from the 40°F we’re seeing this Saturday. This swing of nearly sixty degrees in a week is exactly why the weather for St. Albert is so hard to prep for if you’re new to the area.
Managing the Sturgeon River Microclimate
One thing most people get wrong about St. Albert is ignoring the river. The Sturgeon River valley acts like a cold air drain. On those clear, still nights—like what we’re seeing tonight with 0% precipitation—the cold air settles right into the valley. If you live up on the hills in Erin Ridge or Jensen Lakes, you might be a couple of degrees warmer than someone living down near the downtown core.
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Humidity also plays a massive role. At 78% humidity tonight, the cold feels "wet." It gets into your bones. It’s not that crisp, dry cold you get in February when the humidity drops to 33% or lower.
Survival Guide for the Next 48 Hours
If you’re living through this week’s weather for St. Albert, you need a plan that accounts for the wind.
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- The Saturday Morning Window: If you have outdoor chores, do them before noon. The 20 mph northwest wind is going to make the afternoon feel significantly colder than the 40°F high suggests.
- Moisturize Now: High humidity tonight followed by a dry, windy Saturday is a recipe for cracked skin.
- Check the Vents: With the temperature set to plummet to -21°F by next Friday, make sure your furnace exhaust isn't blocked by any rogue snowdrifts or ice buildup.
We often talk about the "average" temperature in January being around 21°F, but as this week proves, nobody actually lives in the "average." You live in the 40°F sunshine one day and the -30°F (overnight low for Jan 26) the next. It’s a workout for your wardrobe and your spirit.
Keep an eye on that northwest wind on Saturday night. It's bringing the real winter back with it. If you're heading out, layers aren't just a suggestion; they're the only way to handle a day that starts at 16°F and tries to pretend it's a spring afternoon at 40°F.
Prepare your vehicle for the extreme cold hitting late next week. Ensure your block heater cord is in good condition and your battery is tested, as the overnight lows will drop consistently below -20°F starting Friday, January 23. Seal any drafts around windows this weekend while the temperatures are still manageable to keep heating costs down during the upcoming deep freeze.